Around Indies

Grass Roots Books and Music Featured

Last week, Grass Roots Books and Music, in Corvallis, Oregon was featured in the Gazette Times, the town's local newspaper. Owner Jack Wolcott has been selling books for 39 years, and still loves what he does.

“This is still a dream for me,” Wolcott told the paper. “I started this store because of my love of books, and I wanted to share them with others.”

He credits a lot of his success – especially during a recession – to his supportive customers.

“The community really stepped up,” Wolcott said. “I feel more confident about our future now because of them.”

Though Wolcott keeps up with advancing technology, he has hope for the future of the book.

“I am techie myself,” he said. “But after a while, I get tired of the latest fads. Besides, when it comes to books, nothing beats holding a book right in your hands.”

Left Bank Books E-reader “Petting Zoo” Draws Media Coverage

Left Bank Books, in St. Louis, Missouri, held an “e-reader” petting zoo last Thursday to demonstrate to customers how to use various devices and explain the importance of supporting local bookstores.

After the purchasing demonstration, attendees sought help from the store's staff as well as an outside media services expert.

Also, in attendance was Linda Austin, of the St. Louis Examiner, who the next day outlined the steps required to purchase and read an e-book via independent bookstores for the paper’s readers.